Assoc Sci, R&D - Packaging Dev

The Kraft Heinz Away from Home R&D team is seeking an Associate Scientist, R&D – Packaging Development. This role supports development initiatives across innovation, renovation, and brand maintenance within our North American Away from Home business, while also leading lower-complexity projects. The position offers the opportunity to build technical packaging capability and leadership through close partnership with cross-functional teams and hands-on work that brings packaging solutions to market.

Responsibilities

• Support and lead packaging commercialization activities for new and renovated package launches from concept through implementation, including material specifications, trials and testing, technical drawings, artwork and graphics development, start-up procedures
• Serve as a proactive technical resource by leading lower-complexity initiatives and supporting more complex projects
• Partner with cross-functional teams to execute projects across innovation, renovation, sustainability, brand maintenance, cost optimization, and other strategic priorities
• Assess project risks and feasibility to support sound technical decision-making
• Design and execute plant trials across a range of products and packaging materials to advance project objectives
• Develop and lead packaging performance testing and evaluations to ensure robust analysis of packaging variables
• Write detailed technical trial plans, testing protocols, and summary reports
• Create and maintain packaging specifications, manufacturing procedures, finished product specifications, and related database documentation
• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously with supervisor guidance and possess the ability to prioritize between a variety of business initiatives
• Apply scientific learning to new situations while demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Engineering, Material Science, or an adjacent technical discipline
• Experience or strong interest in the food or consumer packaged goods industry
• Foundational knowledge of packaging science, materials, and testing protocols, with hands-on application through academic or industry experience
• Understanding of packaging functionality and the interaction between packaging, product, and processing
• Ability to work effectively in office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments
• Strong verbal and written communication skills Self-motivated approach, strong attention to detail, sense of urgency, and eagerness to learn
• Willingness to travel 30% based on business needs, including visits to internal plants, co-manufacturers, suppliers, or other R&D sites

Pay

• $68,900.00 - $86,100.00 Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
• The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits

• Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
• Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs.
• Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
• We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
• You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example: Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability Location(s) Glenview R&D Center Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.

In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.